I Have a Garden 2021

It's been a few years since I wrote anything here about gardening. At that time, we were helping Mom with growing some new fruits and vegetables in her yard. (You'd think I'd know something more about gardening when you consider what my last name is and what my ancestors did for a living for generations upon generations.)

Today, Mom no longer has that house nor her garden. But anyhow we have tomatoes! We found a little spot in our tiny backyard, which is in reality smaller that most of your walk-in closets. It's also Leia's personal bathroom, so the compost is an added bonus ... I guess?

My multitalented wife has been caring for these crops all summer long. I must say, they look pretty good.

Weekend at Bear Lake 2021

Last week, we embarked on our fourth consecutive annual family trip up to beautiful Bear Lake. That is to say, the majority of the family but me embarked, since I was unluckily home all sick and yucky for the first two days while everybody else went out and partied. But, fortunately, after a covid test and a couple of days' rest, I felt well enough to join the gang on the third and final day of our stay in Garden City.

On the way up, I stopped at Paco's Tacos in Logan. Like you do. I don't know if they really have San Diego's best burritos or not (see the sign), but they do have some of the best in Logan.

Upon arriving at our Airbnb rental in Garden City, I found this chalk art near the front door:

That's when I knew I had been missing out on a great party! Better late than never, I guess.

When I tried to take her picture, 16-month-old Sadie gave me this scowl:

It turned out that she was just tired and needed a good nap. Aunt JB worked the kind of magic that she works with the kids, and before long, our youngest nibling had dozed off:

Beyond these highlights, there were raspberry shakes, games indoors and in the backyard, hot tubbing, a viewing of That Thing You Do! (one of our family favorites), and a whole lot of other good times.

Thus ended another fantastic weekend up at Bear Lake. Who knows what summer 2022 will bring? I might be able to be there for two or more days next time.

Christian's Baptism

Our nephew Christian recently turned eight years old. On Saturday, August 7, his dad—my brother Ben—baptized him into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at their stake center in Centerville. Ben also later confirmed Christian a member of the Church in an additional priesthood ordinance.

After the service, we adjourned to Fiiz and then Bountiful City Park, where we got all sugared up. Meanwhile, the kids, who don't actually need sugar to have an overabundant amount of energy but still consume it in copious amounts, goofed around on the playground.

Christian is a great kid, and we are proud of the young man he is becoming.

Improvables: The Improvables Strike Back

After an absence of almost a year-and-a-half from the BDAC stage due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Improvables are back with new, family-friendly improv as of August 6! Our first post-pandemic show before a live audience was an absolute blast. It was great to once again share the stage with Heather, Jamie, Keenan, Lorin, Parker, Richard, and Willis.

Below: Jamie, Parker, and me, in "Dueling Plays"

One thing different about this version of the Improvables is an ownership/leadership change. Cassie let the previous LLC (and other red tape items) lapse, so JB and I stepped in to get things running again. That's, right, we are now small business owners! She has become the business director, and I am the managing director. We are also lucky to have Megan aboard as an assistant managing director.

I can't think of anyone I'd rather run a business with than these good people. My better half is pretty much exactly that in almost every way imaginable.